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Monday, February 10, 2014

coldcoldcoldcoldcold

It has been stupidly, horridly, nastily cold. And in-between the cold, it's been snowy.

Poor little Bart can only do a block or so. Rather than walk down to the lake we drove. All the way down to the lake he looked at me like I'd lost my mind. All the way back he didn't even turn my way - he knew I was crazy.

So, what's the best way to deal with the weather when there's no time to go away? Take an overnighter to a place within an hour away. Kevin and I purchased a WagJag deal for the Shaw Club Hotel in Niagara on the Lake - $129 for a deluxe room with a fireplace, and a bottle of wine, and breakfast, and a spa credit. What a lovely place - terrific staff - great kitchen. Definitely will be going back. Rather than scoot home the next day we took a detour to Niagara Falls.

Spectacular as always, and just as cold as you'd expect.

Can't remember seeing this much ice around the falls in other years. The American falls are to the right of the bridge.

I've been going through photos from my Grandfather taken back in the 1920s when there was no wall. Makes for good pictures, but not being so good around heights and the roar of the falls, there is no way I could have walked as close to them as he did.

If you want to look smaller than you are, have someone who is a foot taller than you take your photo. (Coat is warm and 100% polyester!)

We got back to Oakville in time for yet another snow storm:

About 25cm or so. When the sun came out, the temperature plunged to -25C with the windchill.

Then the furnace broke. Theoretically it didn't owe us anything - it was installed in 1991. It is remarkable how quickly a house loses heat when it's so darn cold outside. Kept warm with a couple of portable heaters, and a never ending supply of chocolate chips, martinis and white wine. I figured Weight Watchers points don't count when you can't feel your fingers. (Sadly this morning, I've discovered my theory was flawed.) Furnace guy came out on Sunday, installed a motor just to keep the whole mess going until the new furnace arrives on Thursday.

Now that I'm warm again, job of the day is to work on Kevin's website, something I've been dragging my heels on. Thought I'd go out and take some photos around town for the different districts we'll be highlighting. Did me the world of good to get out of the house and into the sunshine. Only took my sunglasses 10 minutes to defrost when I came inside. Here are a few snaps that I took:

And finally, back home, my wonderful re-blooming amaryllis, just about to do its thing.

At least I know, I'll have two weeks of lovely colour inside, as I count down the days to spring, and hopefully much warmer weather.

7 comments:

Beautiful, but way too cold! I sprained my ankle and being stuck inside has been miserable, but saved me from walking in the arctic freezes. Hope you have a really marvelous spring to make up for this horrid winter.

You reminded me of visiting Niagara Falls in February many years ago when my wife and I were dating, younger and apparently thicker-skinned! I'd use another four-letter word besides "cold" to describe this winter, lol...

You get funny when you are cold! I laughed when I read amongst other things that: "Weight Watchers points don't count when you can't feel your fingers." I hope the new furnace will be up and running soon. It is a great idea to take a winter break. The Niagara area would be wonderful even in the cold of winter given the right cozy hotel room. I love the picture of the ice jaws near the lake. They look almost like evil creatures.

Barbara girl ! You captured some gorgeous pictures here (if I would get out of my pj's I might catch some around the lake here too? LOL)You are too funny with all the goodies to keep you defrosted with the broken furnace .. to "heck" with WW ! hahaI saw the falls as a teenager truly frozen up in early April of all months .. that was a wacky year.Thanks for the laughs over the renos .. I can use all the humour possible .. the kitchen is done but one of the last rip outs is the second bathroom's shower .. that thin has been cursed since 2000 .. this will be the 4th attempt at a shower that doesn't leak !!!! argh !!!Joy : )

Gail, so sorry to hear about the sprain - often much worse than a break - so hope you're on the mend and can get out to enjoy some of those nice warm Tn breezes soon.Paul, the words that have crossed my lips thinking about this winter are simply unprintable. And my hero Ed Lawrence says it's going to be cold and nasty almost up to May....at least the tulips won't be melted out in a day.Jennifer, me too with the furnace - I swear the temporary motor was really meant to power a sewing machine and not a furnace. Hoping I'll have a little more sunshine today to take some photos toward the north and west end of town. I really miss getting out and making photos.Joy, that would have been cool to see the falls in April iced up - And I bet this would be the year to see them again....somehow that doesn't fill me with a feeling of jolly good will. Good luck with that shower! May the reno gods be with you....wonder who the patron saint of renos is?

Those photos look amazing, Barbara! I'm not a big fan of the chilly season and the freezing weather bites, but you made it look so beautiful. Though, we have to admit that it's a very scenic season. Anyway, it's unfortunate that your furnace had to coincidentally break down during the ice cold season. I hope it has been replaced already. All the best! :)

Despite the inconvenience of the cold weather, you photos look simply stunning, both at home and on your trip to Niagara Falls. I can image how displeased you were to have a non-functioning furnace back home. Ours gave up the ghost last winter. It was a very cold, difficult time until it was replaced. Thank heavens for plumbers and heating engineers.

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About Me

I am a garden designer, consultant and writer. In addition, I work with my husband who is a real estate agent - doing the photographs, feature sheets and book keeping.
I love dogs - especially great big ones (and now very a very small dear one) - and the odd friendly cat. I travel whenever I have the money. And love nothing better than entertaining and cooking up a storm.